While good planning can avoid some airport-related delays, sometimes your only option is that dreaded long layover. What can you do if you are stuck in the Athens international airport? Depending on how much time you have, a lot! The airport is convenient for a solid hotel, wineries that can be a good way to spend a few hours, and even large shops and boutiques within the airport.
Visit the museum
Even if you’re a slow reader, this little museum won’t occupy you for more than fifteen minutes, but hey, that’s fifteen minutes of your total wait time.
Take a taxi or take the subway
If you’re brave enough to get out of the airport, the Attica area offers some great wineries. Taking a taxi? Negotiate prices in advance; otherwise they can try to keep you with a higher special rate from airport to hotel. This is not recommended for short layovers, but if you have five or more hours to fill it may be right for you.
Lose your luggage temporarily
Your stay at the airport will be lightened both spiritually and physically if you leave your luggage in the luggage storage located at the end of the terminal. It will cost you this privilege, but you won’t regret it.
Visit the pharmacy
This may not seem exciting on the surface, but the Athens International Airport has an excellent pharmacy. While it offers medications, many of which do not require a prescription, its greatest strength lies in a wonderful variety of health and body products, all from Greek manufacturers. The salespeople in white coats will be happy to help you find a new beauty regimen at a fraction of what similar products cost in the United States, even at the euro exchange rate.
Buy till you drop
Airport malls can be lousy, but this one is a treat and has boutiques that you might want to browse even if you didn’t have time to kill. The Gourmet shop offers dozens of good Greek wines and the local Mastiha Shop branch offers nothing but products made with the famous Greek resin. There are also several kiosks offering books, toys and other treasures.
Upgrade to the Sofitel
Bored? Tired? Walk directly across the street to the Sofitel hotel and buy yourself a drink in the lobby. Spend a moment on the way looking at your little pond and feeling the grass under your feet instead of the airport tiles. They even have screens showing flight times and other departure information.
